Top chefs and cooks add a slice of life to the holiday dessert table.

Charlie Cascio's Maple-Pecan Apple Crumb Pie

Charlie Cascio's Maple-Pecan Apple Crumb Pie

The secret to this pie is using half tart apples (Cox Pippin, Gravenstein, Granny Smith) and half flavorful sweet (Fuji, Golden or Johnny Gold). The tart apples will hold their shape so the filling has substance and bakes well. The sweet apples cook down into a sauce texture and add extra flavor to the pie.

Dede Wilson's Amaretto-Almond Crunch Pumpkin Pie

Dede Wilson's Amaretto-Almond Crunch Pumpkin Pie

"This pie is sensational in flavor as well as texture," says Wilson. Topped with a crunchy blend of amaretto cookies and almonds, "the juxtaposition of creamy pumpkin custard and ultra crisp topping is unexpected and exciting," adds Wilson. The effect is a bit like a streusel and one that's sure to be a hit this holiday.